and Catalina Island, Tijuana, Cuyamaca Peak, Palomar Mountain and just about anyplace else within a 100-mile radius.

It’s one of those best-kept secrets hidden in plain sight. This 1,644-foot mountain stands alone as a sentinel in San Marcos. Combined with the 360-degree breathtaking view and a series of challenging trails spreading in all directions, this is rapidly becoming a popular destination for those seeking outdoor recreation located close to urban centers.

Double Peak Park is operated by the city of San Marcos and is one of the region’s newer recreation areas, completed in 2009. The San Elijo Hills Development Co. built the 230-acre park as part of a development agreement when the nearby San Elijo Hills subdivision was approved.

Despite its small size, the park offers something for just about everyone, including a picnic area, kids playground, restrooms, amphitheater and the extensive trail system.

Only 15 acres are developed and the rest is natural open space. Hikers can enjoy more than 9 miles of good trails that appeal to every hiking appetite. A 2.5-mile uphill trail beginning at Discovery Lake at the base of the mountain is one of the most challenging, while other trails begin closer to the summit.

On a recent visit, we hiked one of the shorter trails and reached the peak in time to enjoy a sunset view as migrating Painted Lady butterflies fed on wild buckwheat at day’s end.

On this evening, a full moon rose in the east as a setting sun dipped behind San Clemente Island, about 80 miles to the west. No one would argue that Double Peak Park offers the best views in the county.

Whether you want a challenging bike ride, hard-breathing hike, or simply want to drive to the top of Double Peak to enjoy a spectacular sunset, this is becoming one of North County’s most popular recreation areas.

The park is at 900 Double Peak Road. Park hours are sunrise to sunset. There is no fee for entry.

Shore fishing

As the summer peak of shore fishing begins to wind down, halibut often start to show up in big numbers along the North County coast, and smart anglers target the flatties.

Hugh Cobb at Pacific Coast Bait & Tackle in Oceanside said an increasing number of surf anglers are shifting to halibut and hopes are high for results that are comparable with last year.

Cobb said plastic swim baits and Lucky Craft Flashminnows, retrieved slowly and with frequent pauses, are an excellent technique.

“This is a pretty sure bet, but the guys doing this say it takes a lot of patience,” Cobb said.

Fall turkey

Bird hunters can head to the field Saturday when the fall turkey season opens in San Diego County. Hunters will be allowed to tag two birds of either sex during the fall season that continues through Dec. 9.

Turkey hunting in San Diego has grown in popularity and until a few years ago was limited to a more popular spring hunt only. Because bird numbers have continued to increase, a fall season was established. This year the season was extended and the bag limit doubled.

Weighing up to 20 pounds, the wild turkey is native to North America. These majestic birds were once a primary food source for Native Americans and early settlers. In the early 1900s, deforestation and market hunting brought turkeys to the brink of extinction. With better wildlife management, the wild turkey has thrived with an estimated population of 7 million in the state today.

Turkey hunters should be reminded that deer season is open through Nov. 25, and they should be alert to other hunters in the field.

Dixon derby

The 34th Annual Dixon Lake Trout Derby is scheduled for Veterans Day weekend, Nov. 9-12. The Escondido lake will be stocked with 4,500 pounds of trophy-size trout.

Prizes will be awarded for the daily first- and second-largest trout, a grand prize for the overall largest trout, and for the largest trout in senior, adults and youth 15-and-under divisions.

There will also be prizes for the first 15 tagged fish turned in during the derby, and a prize for the smallest trout. All anglers must have a lake fishing permit each day of the derby. Derby hours are from 6 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. each day.

If you have a story of interest, call (760) 518-8050 or email ernie@packtrain.com